The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire incident that occurred on Saturday, January 26, 2025, at Ugwu Onyeama, Enugu. The devastating accident claimed the lives of more than 30 people, including women and children.
In a statement released by OYC National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the council placed the blame on government failure, citing poor infrastructure and inadequate safety measures along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The council criticized authorities for their negligence and called for urgent action to prevent further tragedies.
The OYC urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to accelerate the completion of the long-overdue second lane of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, particularly at the 9th Mile axis. The group stressed that the deplorable state of the road contributed significantly to the disaster.
Additionally, the council called on South-East governors to issue an executive order banning the movement of heavy-duty vehicles during daytime, arguing that the region’s narrow roads make such traffic extremely hazardous.
The Ugwu Onyeama fire is not an isolated incident. The OYC highlighted that similar accidents have occurred in the past due to poor road conditions, lack of proper maintenance, and government inaction.
“We cannot continue to lose innocent lives due to the negligence and incompetence of our leaders,” said Igboayaka O. Igboayaka. “This tragedy was avoidable and unacceptable. We demand immediate action to address the infrastructure decay in Ala Igbo and ensure the safety of our people.”
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The OYC also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance to the families of the victims and those affected by the fire. The council stressed the need for immediate relief efforts, including medical care, support for the bereaved families, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
As the leading youth organization of the Igbo people, the Ohanaeze Youth Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for better infrastructure, economic empowerment, education, and security in the South-East. The council criticized past and present administrations for neglecting Igbo communities, leading to recurring disasters and economic stagnation.
“The failure to prioritize road development, public safety, and basic infrastructure in Igbo land is a deliberate act of negligence,” the statement added. “We will not relent in demanding what is right for our people.”
As the nation mourns the victims of the Ugwu Onyeama fire, the OYC has vowed to intensify its campaign for improved infrastructure and government accountability. The council urged leaders at all levels to act swiftly, ensuring that such preventable tragedies do not happen again.
The statement was signed by Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council.

Igboayaka National President Ohanaeze Youth Council
